Gloria Reed, 93, of Winfield, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1933, in Rector, Arkansas, to Clarence and Evelyn Rust.

Gloria was one of four children, with two older brothers and a younger sister. She grew up in the small town of Rector in northeastern Arkansas, where she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian and earning the title of Miss Rector before attending Arkansas State University.

It was at Arkansas State that Gloria met the love of her life, James “Jim” Reed. Following Jim’s service in the Korean War, they returned from Germany and began raising their three sons. After starting their teaching careers in St Anne, Illinois, they eventually settled in the Chicago suburbs.

Gloria devoted her professional life to education, first as a teacher and later as a guidance counselor. Her commitment to learning continued throughout her career, and she earned a master's degree from Purdue University in 1974.

Gloria and Jim retired early, at the same time, and spent their retirement years traveling extensively often with friends and enjoying the adventures that came with it.

A lifelong member of the church, Gloria also shared her musical talents as a soloist at the Lutheran church near her home. Her faith was an important part of her life, as were her deep connections with family and friends. She was devoted to her large extended family and treasured the relationships she built throughout her life. Gloria cared about the people she met, always looking out for their needs before hers. She will be remembered with love and missed dearly by all who knew her.

Gloria is survived by her sons, Brad (Marian) Reed and David Reed; her grandchildren, Alex (Sarah) Reed, Chris Reed, Matthew Reed, James Reed, and Elizabeth Reed; her great-grandchildren, Grace and Luke; and her sister, Nancy (the late Tom) Clevenger.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Reed; her son, Don Reed; and her brothers, Donald and Danvis Rust.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox, Illinois.